Precious Living

At yesterday’s basketball match, we arrived with high hopes for the Slingers because we had just defeated the Perth WildCats a week ago. Also, upon arrival, we saw that both teams were doing equally well - the Slingers was either at a tie or a two point lead or a two point loss until we came to the third quarter of the game.

That was when a series of fouls were called, including a technical foul which totally diminished the morale of the team. The Adelaide 36ers took advantage of the situation to win by 18 points. Even before the game ended, fans were streaming out of the stadium in throngs. It was that bad.

At this point, Nic commented it must be challenging for the Slinger Girls to continue rooting for the team when they could clearly see we are bleeding badly. Hmmm… I’m not sure about that.

For me, it has gotten easier to be supportive of the Slingers because with each game that I watch, it is as though I now know the players better, as though they are my personal friends. I think I even feel a strange sort of solidarity and camaraderie with them!

We’ve all come to have our favorite players, here’s whom I’ve observed.

Most Passionate (in my opinion): Mike Helms

Fastest (also in my opinion): Rod Grizzard

Cutest (according to the men who are secure in their masculinity, Andy and Nic): Blagoj Janev

Most yummilicious (squeals Sabrina and MissCel): John Fitzgerald

Most attentive (as blogged by Sheylara): Ben Knight

Most able to get school girls screaming wildly: Michael Wong

These guys make it so easy to be supportive of the Slingers. We love them and will continue to support them consistently. Perhaps the challenging part for the cheerleaders is to grin and look happy even when we’re on a losing streak.

PS: All photos by Andrew David Images